Am I The Only One...

[jebfour]

Who doesn't like clipless pedals? Over the past few years I've tried various brands, cleats, etc. and just never could get used to being locked to my bike.

I took them off for what I believe is "for good" this morning - and put my trusty A-frames on.

Am I the only one who just couldn't get used 'em? When I'm on the trail I rarely see others who aren't using them...

Just curious

[LBmtb]

Yes. Just kidding. I'm sure there are others. I would guess mostly DH riders though . . .

[ubermensch]

I don't know how anyone could climb without being clipped in. I know I can't.

[jebfour]

Originally Posted by ubermensch

I don't know how anyone could climb without being clipped in. I know I can't.

They make it easier for climbing - no doubt about it. Then again, I can't climb period, so it's kind of a non-issue

[ryandood]

I still haven't tried clipless pedals but I can climb O.K., I think.

[jayman_29]

I cleaned "I THINK I CAN" at El Moro with platforms

[supralight]

jay: rock on. i havent been there yet, but good on ya. sounds like a tough climb
i love my clipless pedals. i used platforms (cb5050's) and i have much more control and i can actually bunny hop now, instead of looking like some loser who can't pick up the rear of his bike. but the main reason i switched over is that i kept slipping off the pedals when i jumped off of stuff and crashed one too many times. i guess the funniest part of having the clipless pedals is when i forget to clip out! down i go like a falling log.

[Red Hot Sloth]

I ride platforms about 95% of the time, even when I go clipless I'm a slow climber...no biggie. I'll ride clipless when I'm not going to be doing anything tech cuzz I'm a wuss. I don't know, I've been riding bikes forever, mt biking since the early '90's, was road riding in the '80's to early '90's, even commuted 13 miles each way to work on my road bike every day in the early '90's, and I still don't like being ratcheted onto my bike.
I don't see too many other riders out there on platforms either, and I actually kinda get tired of hearing people tell me how much better I'll climb and ride if I clipped in....I KNOW THIS FOLKS!!!! j/k
Just don't worry about it, ride the way you feel comfortable, have fun and enjoy your ride

[Seat Sniffer]

Originally Posted by Red Hot Sloth

I don't see too many other riders out there on platforms either, and I actually kinda get tired of hearing people tell me how much better I'll climb and ride if I clipped in....I KNOW THIS FOLKS!!!!

Hey, You'll climb and ride much better if you clipped in

[grandpa]

Originally Posted by supralight

i love my clipless pedals. i used platforms (cb5050's) and i have much more control and i can actually bunny hop now, instead of looking like some loser who can't pick up the rear of his bike.

If done correctly you can bunny hop with out being clipped in.

I've only used platforms and just recently got some SPD pedals that I am going to try. Everyone tells me it will really help on the climbs.
I just don't like the idea of being clipped in on some of the more exposed trails like Strawberry or Middle Merrill.

[jonathan_sykes81]

Originally Posted by supralight

i used platforms (cb5050's) and i have much more control and i can actually bunny hop now, instead of looking like some loser who can't pick up the rear of his bike.

The mechanics of bunny hopping are the same whether clipped in or not. I would say throw your platforms back on for playing around the neighborhood and learning some good technique. Ask someone you know who's a good bunny hopper and see what they say. Later.

[BobBurnes]

My friend...he refused to race or ride with clippless pedals. In fact, he hates lycra too. He was the only XC racer I've ever seen wear a wool sweater, jeans, and sport some seriously vintage Vans in the English winter series in Thetford forest....and he always finished in the top 10, though I'm sure he'd have stolen a few podiums if his pre-race diet didn't start with a trip to Cinabon.

God I hate that guy.

[chongoblanco]

grandpa doesn't need clips he's a destroyer on platforms climbing and descending

[kanga]

You're not the only one! I'm clipped in on fire road and smooth single track climbs, and unclipped on everything else, including technical climbs. It's just how I've done it since the days of toestraps, but now with the combo of spd's with a nylon platform, I'm in and out of the pedals as much as I'm up and down on the gravity dropper.

For me it's about being free to float around on the bike, throw a foot out, and the ability to crash gracefully, disconnected from the bike, etc. My only drawback is that the plastic platforms on my pedals have very little grip for drops, so if I know there's a big drop ahead, I'll usually clip in. The same drops on real platforms with traction screws aren't an issue. But anything, even smooth rolling downhill, I'm out of the clips.

[supralight]

kanga: i feel the same about those things, but i cheaped out and got the pedals w/o the platforms. ive tried those with them and didnt like the way they engaged and the increased difficulty of clipping out. i raced bmx when i was 10 and used plats, but now i cant ride as well with them. i guess its a mind over matter thing, but as far as that goes, i also prefer a manual tranny in a car (except in traffic) and "clicking in" has just become a habit. i guess i "should" throw the plats on and give it a go but maybe next weekend.

[Jay]

I hear what you are saying, but after being clipped in for about 6 months now, I dont think I could ride without them. I seem to be more relaxed clipped in as I do not have to worry about where my foot is on the pedal. I also seem to have more control of the bike on decents. Just my $.02

[Permagrin]

I don't clip in either and climbing isn't a problem. Think I Can, Mathis, Cholla and coming down Old Emerald, BFI or whatever isn't an issue either. Yeah, sometimes my feet bounce around a bit and my shins show wear and tear but oh, well. People also tell me how much easier it would be but I look at it as a challenge to be able to climb and descend anything without being clipped in. I like the separation factor when I know I'm going down.

[Red Hot Sloth]

Grrrrr......
Don't forget to lower your seat...

Originally Posted by Seat Sniffer

Hey, You'll climb and ride much better if you clipped in

[PacMan]

I'm just glad this topic is FINALLY getting addressed here on STR.

[art23rockpile]

Call me "old school" or even "retro", but i'm still using toe-clips. That's what I used in the 80s, and after getting back into the sport earlier this year, it's what i'm comfortable with.

One day soon, i'll make the jump to SPD-style platform pedals. I've been riding in the San Gabs about every other week, and don't want to be learning how to unclip on exposed trails.